Sherry Thomas of Breathless Video Productions announced that Breathless recently completed a 60 Second Commercial for Seaside Chef Toys and was featured on the jumbotron at Toy Fair 2009 in New York City.
Breathless Video Productions is a top video production company that shoots and produces video around the world. The company is headquartered in South Florida but has crews based in practically every major city.
Seaside Chef Toys - “Let the sea adventure begin!”
561.487.2284
Website Video has gained in momentum. Build a website, add video, add the website’s remaining text and content. This has become the norm for website construction these days. YouTube, MySpace and the popularity of viral video has created a surge of interest in posting video for pleasure but also in using video as a powerful means of advertising.
With a plethora of so called website video production companies and services being offered, how does one know the quality that they will receive? How can you gauge whether website video is money well spent? The obvious is by first doing research on the power of video and second, by checking a video production company’s video reel or sample demos in order to determine if there might be a good match between your message and the style of the production company.
Look for variety in a production company’s reel. A company that shoots a variety of styles, products, and companies can most often handle any video challenge including website video. Website video should be approached the same as shooting a commercial – the message must be captured within a few seconds of time in order to hold the attention of the viewer, sell your company, and create a buyer response. In this case, a buyer response would be a potential client choosing your company over one of your competitors. Video alone may be the sole deciding factor. Don’t try to cut corners here. This is advertising.
Why is website video production so expensive? Well, it really isn’t given the following:
Shooting a professional website video that will convince your target audience that they should employ your products or services, takes time and skill with you or marketing department working in tandem with a professional video production company and its team.
The location of video on a website doesn’t diminish its value or equate to inexpensive. In fact, to the contrary – a website video is being viewed by people who are already somewhat interested in what you have to offer. The video is often the clincher!
www.BreathlessVideoProductions
Our work will leave you . . . Breathless!
561.487.2284
MORE AND MORE COMPANIES ARE TURNING TO VIDEO TO SHOWCASE THEIR PRODUCT OR SERVICE!
With video being employed more and more these days as a Marketing and Advertising tool, it is clear that its many uses and advantages are being discovered.
VIDEO CAN REACH PLACES THAT YOU CAN’T!
A Video can be viewed in countless numbers while your sales team can only reach out to their clients on a one-to-one basis. This same Video can be left as a calling card - a Video Business Card that includes video about your company or product and on the outside label, your company and salesperson’s contact information. Potential clients and consumers respond to video!
Marketing Videos can illustrate the product in its application, offer the explanation of a service offered, provide client testimonials about your company, show the inner workings of your company or factory, and highlight your management team. These same Videos can be included with your product as instructional or educational Videos and DVD’s. (Imagine trying to assemble a piece of furniture and having a video to guide you step-by-step!)
We know, from studies, that Video increases sales by as much as 70% in some cases.
I am often asked the question, “Can your company really shoot weddings?”. People seemed to find it confusing and almost contradictory that a video production known for Television Commercials, Corporate Video, Television Shows and the like, can actually shoot and produce wedding video. The answer is a resounding yes, if and only if, you have cameramen trained in the art of shooting weddings.
Working in television really hones your editing and shooting skills and it really is all about a creative eye, but from a purely technical standpoint, if you can shoot a television show or corporate video, the quality for a wedding video should be the same as the quality for a commercial. The difference lies in what is covered to tell the complete wedding story and how it is edited. Editing a wedding video is certainly a skill, but once a wedding video template or signature has been established, it is really quite easy. The difficult aspect of editing a wedding video is that there are hours of video that must be viewed and sifted. It is quite time-consuming.
A template cannot be used when editing a commercial or other forms of video. Each message is different. The length of each video varies and the shots (whether in studio or on location) must be carefully blended into a sensible manner. With wedding video, the venues are usually the same 2-3 areas from ceremony to reception and the message is most definitely the same each time - that of love and a new beginning.
So yes, an experienced Video Production company should be able to produce wonderful wedding video if and only if the cameramen have been trained in the protocol of shooting, the order of shooting, and a template has been established.
At Breathless, we shoot weddings with the same high end cameras that we use for television. And yes, the difference is quite apparent.
Now is the time to start the new year off right with video marketing!
Ring in 2009 with a video showcasing the intricacies of your business or product. Step inside the minds of consumers and allow them to personally connect the product or service to the face(s) behind the company.
Our President Sherry Thomas Speaks About The Power of Video - Video Enhances Sales!
Video forges the gap between a potential consumer and a business, product or service. Doctors have recently discovered video and are actively using video on their websites and have begun airing commercials about their services. Who would have ever thought that a doctor would advertise? Why not? Attorneys have long placed their ads on television.
With YouTube, podcasting and webinars, the world of video marketing has skyrocketed!
If you are not using video as a marketing tool, you are losing sales. The website with video is the one that will usually win the client.
We shoot anywhere in the world!
Let Breathless make that video that you have long prolonged.
561.487.2284
Video has surfaced as a major marketing tool, over the recent years, and with it attention has now been turned to other eye-catching methods of describing a product or service. Animation, or the use of it, seems to be on the rise. What better way to demonstrate that medical device, or show how a cleaning product literally repels dirt, how hair products reach deep into the roots, or the inner workings of your new software program?
The combination of Corporate Video and Animation is a winner! Some creative VP’s of Marketing are even animating their management or figureheads so as to bring a sense of humor to the usual ho-hum videos to which clients are accustomed. Animated “mascots” are more common than in yesteryear. Mascots are a clever way to brand or rebrand. After all, viewers will remember a lovable creature or a cuddly little character. (Remember the Pillsbury doughboy?)
With Corporate Video being so popular, creativity is setting in as ad agencies, marketing departments and communications directors are ‘reaching’ to take their video to another level. What used to be seen only in Superbowl commercials is slowly spilling over into everyday corporate and training videos.
The sky’s the limit with video as long as the message is concise, entertaining, and nails the important features or bullet points. And Animation is helping to nail that message!
There is no basic price for a commercial, infomercial, or corporate video. There are many variables involved when quoting a production and many questions that must be asked.
It is important to set a realistic budget as production involves working with professionals who have trained extensively in their craft, use high-end delicate, expensive equipment, and spend hours behind the scenes making your production come to life.
Production is not simply “point and shoot”. It is a collaborative effort that requires meticulous planning and research.
A lot of heart goes into every single video.
1) How many locations will we be shooting?
2) How many people will be on camera or will be interviewed?
3) Will we need a teleprompter?
4) Is professional talent needed such as an actor or voice-over expert?
5) Will we be doing the copywriting?
6) Will part or all of this need to be shot in a studio or at your offices or external locations?
7) For what purpose is the video?
How long will the final production be?
9) How many different cuts will come from this production? For example, are we shooting a 2 minute website video and cutting it also to a 30 second?
It is wise for you, the consumer, to ask these questions and ensure that your contract covers every detail. One omission could cost you thousands of additional dollars.
Infomercials are a way to advertise that product that you just know in your heart is a winner! Another word used for infomercials is DRTV or Direct Response Television. In DRTV, there is a call –to-action with a telephone number inviting the consumer to call and place an order. Let’s go step by step as to what it takes to produce and air an infomercial. But keep in mind the one word that becomes three – Repetition, Repetition, Repetition!
There are two types of infomercials. The long form infomercial is around 20 - 30 minutes in length. This is quite costly to air as the client will have to book 30 minute airing slots. In long form the price point of the product or service is normally higher and thus a bit more difficult sell. The most common infomercial is the short form which is 30, 60, or 120 seconds long. It is more cost-effective to air and is generally a little easier to sell as the price point hovers around $19.99 and less.
First – there is the product. Does it satisfy a need? Is there anything out there like it? One thought is to take an already successful product, improve upon it and launch your campaign. Another is to come up with that little trinket or tool or product that no one has thought of, something novel, yet useful.
Next – the copywriting. The copy must be crisp and to the point, allowing for every question as to ‘why this product is terrific’ to be answered. It should allow for the product to be shown in its application and explain why every household needs it or will love it.
Third- there is the shoot. You must arrange for the product to be shot showing it in its application with a strong presenter. This is where professional talent factors in. Your on-camera spokeswoman or man can be someone well known or someone not so famous who has great delivery. Some companies opt for high profile celebrities as their endorsers, but others simply do not have that type of budget and look to strong local talent. Look at the successful infomercials airing. Generally, there is a personality type that sells!
The shoot(s) may take place in a studio, on location, or a combination of both. It may or may not contain testimonials. In long form, testimonials are almost a necessity as this is a higher ticket item and consumers are more reluctant to order unless they are thoroughly convinced of its necessity in their lives.
Once the shoot has been completed, it is time to lay down the voice tracks. Here again, a strong, reputable voice-over talent is important as delivery is key to success.
An infomercial website must be developed as many of the orders will come via the web. It is estimated that between 30-50% of potential consumers will look to the web for product ordering after seeing the product on television. An infomercial website is quite specific and looks nothing like a regular corporate website. It should be one page with an order form on the front, the video of the product, and a method that accepts credit cards. “In and out” is the motto for an infomercial website. You have a captive purchaser and it should be simple reading, show a video of the product, be easy to navigate, and easy to pay. If this site points to another site with additional products, there is the risk of consumer confusion and a decline in sales or ‘drop-off’ will normally take place.
Upsells and Premiums. Everyone likes the word ‘free’. In DRTV, it has become standard to offer freebies or other products that compliment the featured item at a discount. While a single product can be sold, consumers are accustomed to these add-ons and are often more likely to purchase multiples or additional products if given the option.
The test. Now you are ready for the testing phase. This is where media placement factors in. Your dollars must be invested wisely so as to get a cross section sampling of your strongest markets and networks. The buying power for DRTV skews toward women. They are primarily the ones doing the purchasing and believe it or not, a strong time for ordering products is on overnight airings.
Testing should be spread out over several networks, using historical successes with similar products, as the basis for determining the media placement. Once the test is complete, an MER report is issued giving the return on investment. It is at this juncture that the ad, the talent, the media placement is then analyzed in order to ‘tweak’ and perfect the campaign. Once modifications have been made, it is time to either re-test or roll out. ‘Roll out’ means that the product has shown its success and you are ready for the more major networks and a larger advertising campaign.
Back to that word ‘Repetition’. Advertising on both television and radio has taught us that on average it takes three times for a consumer to see or hear a product before they initiate a call. It’s part of the branding process. More airings send a subliminal message to the consumer that this product or company is successful. It provides a comfort level. The more airings, the greater the likelihood of success.
There is no way to gauge whether a product will or will not become successful. Sometimes a dark horse proves to be a winner. Sometimes a product does not perform well on television and is best suited for retail. The testing phase is a good barometer of whether there is indeed a market for the product. Economy, time of year, type of product, all play an instrumental factor in ordering. There are many variables. The key is to isolate those variables and turn them into an advantage.
The major infomercials that you see are often backed by large corporations with strong budgets but many an inventor gets his product to the masses through investors or funding from a small business center or bank. The cost for a short form is normally around $40, 000 from start to test phase. For long form, it is higher – approximately $150K.
When choosing your infomercial company, be prudent as some companies do not make good on their promises. One that pressures you or proclaims that you have a hit is surely a red flag. Beware of those companies who take your money and never air you. Beware if you’ve handed over a large sum of money and production tends to lag for months on end. These are all warning signs.
It is a common mistake often repeated and quite predictable. In unpleasant economic times, companies tend to cut back in areas that need it most - primarily the marketing/advertising departments.
An economic downturn should not deter you from your advertising needs so necessary to forge ahead. Now is the time to be creative, to discover innovative methods in which to garner attention.
Video is one of those methods. It is a powerful form of advertising. One video strategically placed on a website or at a tradeshow can make a significant difference in your sales or conversion rate!
Breathless Video Productions of Florida will put your company front and center with a video that excites and captivates!
Call us today to develop your company video showcasing you, your product, or your service.
We shoot anywhere in the world! Our work will leave you . . . breathless.
If there is one piece of advice I offer my clients repeatedly, it is : get a good website designer, hire a top SEO expert, and invest in a professional video (for your website) that demonstrates your product or service in its application and/or allows the viewer to hear and see the management in place.
With VIDEO taking center stage, it is important to remember that there is a right way and a wrong approach to video.
Amateur video can defeat the purpose, lending a “home-made” look, possibly discrediting your fine company. A good video should be well-written, contain strong client testimonials, feature individuals or interviewees who are comfortable on camera, shot with good equipment and edited on industry standard software. Narration or voice-overs should be professional.
Video offers a comfort level that simply does not exist with text.
Given a choice, a potential client will choose the companies or products that are showcasing themselves via video most every time over the ones who simply talk in text using adjectives.
If there is one piece of advice I offer my clients repeatedly, it is : get a good website designer, hire a top SEO expert, and invest in a professional video (for your website) that demonstrates your product or service in its application and/or allows the viewer to hear and see the management in place.
With VIDEO taking center stage, it is important to remember that there is a right way and a wrong approach to video.
Amateur video can defeat the purpose, lending a “home-made” look, possibly discrediting your fine company. A good video should be well-written, contain strong client testimonials, feature individuals or interviewees who are comfortable on camera, shot with good equipment and edited on industry standard software. Narration or voice-overs should be professional.
Video offers a comfort level that simply does not exist with text.
Given a choice, a potential client will choose the companies or products that are showcasing themselves via video most every time over the ones who simply talk in text using adjectives.
Video in the lobby of cosmetic surgeon’s office showing the before and after is far more compelling than before and after photos. When perusing hotel accommodations, it isn’t uncommon to gravitate toward the hotel that offers us a virtual tour or presents an enticing video of the spa, poolside lunches, or the busy dance floor of the in-house lounge. I know one hotel who swears that video increased their occupancy rate to 90% year round.
Video at trade shows pulls in traffic thus increasing the chances of a ‘close’. Video email campaigns seem to pull stronger numbers in sales than their plain text counterparts.
Once video is produced, DVD’s from the video can now be put to use by inserting them into media kits, airing them at trade shows, including them in email campaigns. Other uses include meeting planner pitches, or offerings on your website as “How-To’s” or instructional video. DVD’s offered in conjunction with books do well.
Video is powerful! It humanizes a product, service, or company. It explains the intangible. It draws us in. It is the new way of advertising and will only gain in popularity in the upcoming years!
